Get to Know Your Ward: 27th Ward

Receive the latest ward-room updates in your inbox

NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on all 50 wards this election season. As candidates face off in the Feb. 24 election, they are also facing a new ward map, which takes effect when the winners assume office.

In this profile, learn all about the 27th ward, which covers parts of East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, the Near West Side, the Illinois Medical District, Greektown, United Center Park and the Near North Side.

Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Diverse -- economically, racially and geographically. Because this ward traverses many neighborhoods, it is difficult to describe the entire area as one region. The Near North and Near West Sides are gentrified and high-income, while the western portion of the ward is characterized by lower incomes and violence.

How the Ward Typically Votes: Walter Burnett, Jr. has been alderman of the 27th ward since 1995. In 2007, he ran unopossed. In 2011, he won 71 percent of the vote, defeating Tom Courtney (22 percent) and Gevonna Fassett (7 percent).

Landmark: The United Center

Ward Expert: Earnest Gates, executive director of the Near West Side Community Development Corporation